Recommendations of the Editorial team
The corpses of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa will remain unaffected for the coming days. A judge in New Mexico gave the application of her estate on Monday (March 17, 2025). The medical documents remain under lock and key. Judge Matthew Wilson has also ordered that all police photos and video recordings, i.e. bodycam recordings of the couple’s corpses and one of their dogs, remain under closure.
This is supposed to remain a remnant of dignity to the deceased. In the meantime, many details on the death of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa have been clarified. The 95-year-old Hackman suffering from Alzheimer’s died of cardiovascular disease. The 63-year-old Arakwa died after an infection with the Hantaviur. Maybe by rodents may be caused.
According to the authorities, Gene Hackman died on or around February 18. Around a week after Betsy Arakawa succumbed to the consequences of Hantavirus syndrome. This was announced by the forensic medicine and the sheriff of the Santa Fe County, Adam Mendoza.
No photos and videos
Richter Wilson has now announced that “all representatives, representatives and employees of these institutions are hereby temporarily prevented from dealing with pictures of the following persons via IPRA or in other ways.” This includes the following details.
Gene Hackman’s body
Betsy Arakawa-Hackman’s body
The interior of the house of Mr. and Mrs. Hackman
Any Bodycam film material that shows the corpses of Mr. or Mrs. Hackman
Any Bodycam film material from Label that shows pictures of deceased animals in the house of the Hackmans ”.
In addition, despite the rather lively press conference at the beginning of this month, the medical investigator should be temporarily prevented from revealing the autop appeals and/or the death reports for Mr. and Ms. Hackman about IPRA or in other ways. “
How long this closure will last is still unclear. On March 31st, the police are to be presented by judge Wilson why the now sealed images and information should not be kept permanently under lock and key.
The case is not easy. Basically, materials such as pictures and bodycam recordings of corpses and medical information are not released for the public in New Mexico. However, Betsy Arakawa suddenly died of the Hantavirus. Your forensic medical report may contain details that affect public interest because the security and health situation in Santa Fe could be at risk.